Dimitar Bechev Book order

An incisive account of Erdoğan’s Turkey – showing how its troubling transformation may be short-livedSince coming to power in 2002 Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has overseen a radical transformation of Turkey. Once a pillar of the Western alliance, the country has embarked on a militaristic foreign policy, intervening in regional flashpoints from Nagorno-Karabakh to Libya. And its democracy, sustained by the aspiration to join the European Union, has given way to one-man rule.Dimitar Bechev traces the political trajectory of Erdoğan’s populist regime, from the era of reform and prosperity in the 2000s to the effects of the war in neighboring Syria. In a tale of missed opportunities, Bechev explores how Turkey parted ways with the United States and Europe, embraced Putin’s Russia and other revisionist powers, and replaced a frail democratic regime with an authoritarian one. Despite this, he argues that Turkey’s democratic instincts are resilient, its economic ties to Europe are as strong as ever, and Erdoğan will fail to achieve a fully autocratic regime.

A nuanced and comprehensive study of the political dynamics between Russia and key countries in Southeast Europe

Focusing on the Balkans, the book examines how regional cooperation has emerged amidst a backdrop of turbulent politics. It delves into the origins and dynamics of this shift, emphasizing the influential roles played by the EU and other international actors in fostering collaboration and stability in the region.

Focusing on the Republic of Macedonia's evolution since its 1991 secession from Yugoslavia, this comprehensive reference explores key political, socio-economic, and cultural developments within its multiethnic society. It highlights significant yet often overlooked social transformations of the 20th century and recent discussions on historical memory and national identity. The book includes a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 400 cross-referenced entries, offering an in-depth understanding of Macedonia's history and contemporary issues.